Champions Arsenal will return to Premier League action against Leeds United in Saturday's early kick-off.

The Gunners were left shell-shocked just before the international break, as they suffered a 3-0 trouncing at the hands of high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion.

Mikel Arteta and his backroom staff have had about three weeks to dwell on the defeat, and they will look for a response from their players once the first whistle blows.

Talking about blowing the whistle, Arteta has already had a run-in with matchday officials this season, having a go at them for a penalty awarded against his side in their 1-0 win over Sunderland.

The Black Cats were awarded a penalty after Ezri Konsa and Dan Ballard grappled from a long throw-in situation, and David Raya pulled off a sensational save to deny Enzo Le Fee from the spot.

Arsenal remain in second place, three points adrift of Manchester City in the league standings, while Leeds United are three points and three places behind them in fifth.

Meet Arsenal vs Leeds Referee Paul Tierney

Greater Manchester native Paul Tierney will take charge of the game at the Emirates Stadium between Arsenal and Leeds United.

The 45-year-old has been in charge of a total of five games this season, including Everton's win over Crystal Palace and Manchester City's defeat of Coventry City.

He has also officiated a pair of games in the Championship and one in the Carabao Cup so far this season, handing out 14 yellow cards and one sending-off so far.

Tierney got his first taste of Premier League football in a clash between Swansea City and West Brom in the 2014-15 season.

He has since handled 197 games, officiating numerous games involving both Arsenal and Leeds United in the 12 years since.

Paul Tierney has been in charge for 25 Leeds games, and they have won ten and drawn three, losing nearly half of the games.

He was in charge of Leeds' memorable win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in April, when Noah Okafor scored a first half brace and Casemiro pulled one back for the Red Devils.

He has handled 23 games involving Arsenal, and the Gunners have picked up maximum points on 11 occasions, losing only six times.

Tierney memorably refereed the Gunners' win over Burnley that effectively sealed their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Who Are Tierney's Assistants?

Paul Tierney will be assisted by Richard West and Steven Meredith on the day, with Oliver Langford to serve as the fourth official.

Keeping an eye on things from Stockley Park will be VAR Tony Harrington and Assistant VAR Nick Greenhalgh.